The Forest Lovers

"Oh, Isoult, was it true, was it true? For that old man was my father,

and the lad was I."

Said Isoult-"Ah, when thou didst ride into the quarry and foundest me with Galors

there, I knew thee again; and when thou didst wed me the wound stayed

bleeding, but remained fresh. But now--now it is healed."

They turned their lips to each other and murmured comfort with kisses.

"By the Lord," cried he, "I could eat a meal."

"O greedy one, I will put you to shame. All my desire is to take God's

body. For I know that we have had no marriage-mass."

"That is a true saying. But the Host is harder to come by. There is a

place in Morgraunt, nevertheless, where you may hear Mass and break

good bread after. I have been there, but not from here."

"But I have been there too, Prosper, and from here, or near here. I

remember. I know the road."

"Come then, lead me, my bride."

She armed her lord, being now entered into her old self, radiant,

softly fair, guarded, and demure. He also was the man of her choosing,

invincibly lord. They found their beasts near by and were soon on the

way, with their pale trophy hidden in a cloth.

Mass was said by the time they reached the yew-tree close, and saw the

shrine and image of Saint Lucy of the Eyes. Alice of the Hermitage

came out into the open, shading her face against the sun. Prosper she

remembered not, but when she saw Isoult she gave a little cry. The two

girls were in each other's arms in no time.

"Oh, you!"

"Yes, yes, I have come back. And you know me like this?"

"I would know you anywhere, by what you can never cut off"

"Now you must know my lord," said Isoult with a great heart.

Prosper came up.

"Ah, damsel," says he, "you sped me into your forest, and so sped me

to my happiness in spite of myself. Have you forgotten the white bird?

Look again and tell me if I have redeemed the quest."

"Ah, ah," said glowing Alice, "now I remember my dream of the bird. Is

this possible?"

She looked at Isoult. Isoult blushed; but she was all for blushing

just now.

"If it is true," Alice continued, "you make me very happy. Now let me

serve you."

"You shall," said Prosper. "Pray give us something to eat."

"Alice," said Isoult, "it was my lord who taught me how to pray--to

Mother Mary and Saint Isidore. We have had no marriage-mass."

"Ah, that is serious. You are not yet wedded then?"

Isoult blushed again.

"Will the father wed us?" she contented herself to ask.